Direction indicator for vehicles



Aug. 6, 1935. w. c. SULLENDER 2,010,741

' DIRECTION INDICATOR FOR VEHICLES Filed Feb. 19, 1934 5 SheetsSheet l INVENTOR WITNESSES lter ,SuZ/fildl' w. I v I BY ii I i A iTORNF Aug. 6, 1935. w. c. SULLENDER 2,010,741

DIRECTION INDICATOR on VEHICLES S Filed Feb. 19, 1934 5 Sheets-Sheet III-k I INVIENT R .7 WITNESSES ilk/fw- 6. fiulflzder mm; m BY MIW ATTORNEY 1935. w. c. SULLEIQDER' 2,010,741

DIRECTION INDICATOR FOR VEHIkLES Filed Feb. 19, 1934 5 Shets-Sheet 3 Z f g. 3. 3

vgwg/a/y I BY I If ATTZORNEYE Aug. 6, 1935. w. c. SULLENDER DIRECTION'INDICATOR FOR VEHICLES Filed Feb. 19, 1934 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 0. M w O Mr 6 W WITNESSES @411 @Z wL/w 6/32? 41% Aug. 6, 1935.

w. c. SULLENDER DIRECTION INDICATOR FOR VEHICLES Filed Feb. 19, 1934 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 mm ..E. n gg I .F m

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BY mmwkww Patented Aug. 6, 1935 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 2,010,741 DIRECTION INDICATOR FOR VEHICLES Walter C. Sullender, St. Louis, Mo. Application February 19, 1934, Serial No. 712,053 3 Claims. (Cl. 177-337) This invention relates to signal devices for automobiles, and particularly lights on the opposite side of the car.

In the accompanying drawingsment of the invention, may be termed a neutra-l'position;

Figure 2 is a view similar to Figure 1 but show Figure 3 is a view similar to Figures land 2 but dim light Figure 9 is a central sectional view through Figure 4 on the line 99;

Figure 10 is a sectional view through Figure 4 on the line |0 I0;

Figure 11 is a a motor and a make-and-break, disclosing certain features of the invention;

Figure 12 is a sectional view through Figure 11 v on the line |2 |2.

In the accompanyingdrawings a construction 10 manner signal the direction showing necessitates releasing one arm from the wheel This automobile is provided with the usual battery I, which is shown as being grounded on the car in the usual man- 55 view partly in section showing 5 in some 15 This, however, 20

ner. When the parts are arranged as shown in all of the lights have been switched out.

When it is desired to use the low filaments of the head lights 2 and 3, the contact arm 4 of the master switch. 5 is swung over to. the dotted position 1. The switch arm 4 is a metallic conductor and acts to connect certain terminals in the master switch according to the way the arm is positioned. When it is desired to run with bright lights the arm 4 is moved over to the dotted position 6 Whenin either of these positions current is supplied to the respective rear or tail lights 8 and 9. It will thus be seen that the switch 'arm 4 of master switch 5 acts as the usual light switch when in the positions just described, so that the various lamps will function in the usual manner.

If the switch arm 4 is moved to the right as shown in Fig. 2 the head lights are turned out but the two parking or cowl lights I!) and II are lit and also the tail lights 8 and 9. During the movement of the arm 4 it is assumed that the arm l2 of signal switch I3 is stationary and in the position shown in Figures 1 and 2. So far the function of the respective switches, connect ing wires and the like has been merely to cause the respective front and rear lights, and the re spective cowl lights, to function in the usual manner as far as being lit and turned off is concerned. Ordinarily when driving along a road the bright lights of the head lights 2 and 3 are used and the two tail lights 8 and 9 are used. If it becomes necessary or desirable to turn to the right, the switch arm l2 of the signal switch I3 is turned to the position shown in Figure 3. When the two switch arms t and I2 are positioned as shown in Fig. 3, the lamps 2 and B are functioning in the usual manner to give a steady light, the lamp 2 using the dim light filaments. At the same time the dim light filaments in the head light 3 and the filaments in the tail light 9 are flickering or winking. The number of times these lamps flicker or wink may be varied, but for average use from six to eight times per second is considered desirable as it will quickly attract the attention of the driver of a following automobile and indicate to him that the leading automobile desires to make a right hand turn. The device is set to the position shown in Fig. 3 a short time before the turn is made and as soon as the switch arms are set as shown, the drivers hands and feet are entirely free to control and manipulate the car so that the turn may be made in perfect safety. It will,- therefore, be seen that the flickering and winking of the lights on the right handside starts before the turn is made, continues during the turning action, and only stops after the turn has been made and the driver has readjusted arm I2. If the tail lights and the bright head lights are to be used the driver merely swings arm l2 back to its central or neutral position as shown in Fig. 1.

In case it should be desired to turn to the left, arm I2 is moved to the left the same distance that it has been moved to the right as shown in Fig. 3, and the left hand lamps 2 and 8 will function as described with regard to lamps 3 and 9 when making the right hand turn. By reason of this construction the driver will not be compelled to extend his hand for signaling purposes, and he '.-,fr'nay also cause his signal to start and stop -whenever he wishes so as to give other drivers ,ample' time to learn his intentions.

The various circuits for accomplishing the rev various sections as be fitted into the ring sults just described will be traced, but before this is done it is desired to point out that the switch arm 4 may be a solid piece of metal while the switch arm I2 is constructed ina special manner as shown, for instance, in Fig. 9. As illustrated in this figure, the switch arm I2 is provided with a central metal plate 15 which extends from one end of the arm to the other. On both sides of this plate are arranged insulating plates 16 and I1, and on top of the insulating plates are arranged various metallic segments l8, l8, l9, I9, 20, 20', 2|, 2|, 22 and 22. Preferably the insulating plates 16 and 11 are cut away between these illustrated in Fig 9, and also as indicated in Figs. 1 to 3. The plates l8 and iii are connected by one or more rivets 23, said rivet or rivets being insulated by an insulating sleeve 24 extending through a suitable aperture in plate 15. This same arrangement is carried out throughout the entire arm I2 so that opposite plates or sections are electrically connected as well as mechanically connected together in pairs and the pairs are insulated from each other.

In addition to the specific structure of the arm as set forth, it will be seen from Figs. 11 and 12 that there is provided an electric motor 25 which is a small motor, for instance, of the type used in blowing horns, said motor being connected to the battery l as shown in Fig. 1. This motor is provided with a shaft 26 to which a pinion 21 is rigidly secured, whereby this pinion rotates whenever the motor 25 functions. Pinion 21 continually meshes with the idler gear 28 supported by the shaft 29, carried by the frame 30, said frame enclosing the motor 25 and a make-and-break structure 3! of which the gearing just described forms a part. An internally geared ring 32 is provided with suitable spokes and a hub 33 loosely mounted on shaft 26, the gears of this geared ring continually meshing with the idler 28. By reason of the construction just described the motor 25 may operate at a comparatively high rate and yet the geared ring 32 may rotate rather slowly as, for instance, six or eight times per second. An insulating ring 34 is mounted on the periphery of ring 32 and connected thereto in any desired manner so as to rotate therewith. This ring is cut away except at section 35 so that a metal band 36 may of the band 35 flush with the outer surface of section 35. Contact springs 31 and 38 continuallybear against the structure just described, as shown in Fig. 12, and whenever either of the brushes are resting on section 35, the circuit through these brushes will be broken, but when both brushes are engaging the band 35 current will flow when motor 25 is operating. Member 36 has been described as a band for the purpose of description, but it will be understood that it is open at one point to accommodate section 35 so that this section completes the ring structure. The contact springs 31 and 38 are insulated from surrounding objects except the band 36 and are connected with suitable wires through which current passes to the respective dim head lights and tail lights when any of these lights are fluttering.

As shown in Fig. 8 the signal switch I3 is provided with a pair of metal blocks or plates 39 and 4'0 positioned so that the segments 19 and 20 will be brought into engagement therewith according to which direction the arm l2 has been swung. As illustrated in Fig. 8 there are provided contacts 41, 42 and 43 which are engaged by the sections or plates I8, l9 and 20 when the arm 12 is in its neutral position, as shown in Fig. 1. In Figs. 4 to 34 with the outer surface to 3, the features illustrated in mentioned will be clear.

As heretofore stated, when the are turned on and also the bright lights of the in Fig. 2 this arm and associated parts will act in the usual manner of the ordinary switch light now in common use for turning on the parking lghts, which include the cowl lights and the tail.

lights. However, when it is desired to turn to the right, the operator moves arm I2 to the right, or tothe position shown in Fig. 3. When the parts passes from contact 41 to contact 49, through wire 50, contact wire 52, the respective windings of motor 25, to the ground, to function.

the same time At 52 to the brush or spring 31,

energizes plate 2 l,

passes through contacts 55, wire 56, contact 5?,

the brushes 3'! or 38. This flickering action will l2 are left in contact 69, plate filaments of lamp 2,

tact M, and thence through wire 15 to lamp 8.

When turning to the left, the arm I2 is swung )ver so that the contacts tiland 61 will be concomplet ng the circuit nected, and the opposite contacts and wires to that just described.

I2 is swung to the position shown in Fig. 3, plate 39 will func- When the arm {is engaging contact 81 it is also engaging contacts 82 and 83. Current passing from this arm through contact 3 current will pass through and B5 to the ground, thus for the bright filaments. At the same tme that current is passing through the circuit just described, current will also pass through contact 82 and through contact 85 and connecting wire to contact 86, whereupon it will and current will flow from contact 95, through wire 98, to contact 42. Current from this contact will energize the section l9, which in turn will transmit current to the contacts I? and 78. From parking or cowl lights it] and H.

the master switch,

Cal

to the contact 98,.wire and through these two 99, wires I and ii, wires to the respective From the cowl lights current will pass through the respective wires I84 and H35 to the return or ground wires '3 l and 65. It will thus be seen that when the arm 3 is in the position shown in Fig. 2, and the arm 12 is in a central position, the cowl lights will be used and also the tail lights, but not the dim or bright filaments of the head lights 2 and 3.

It will be noted that regardless of whether the lights are turned off completely or whether they are connected to the high or bright side of the headlights, or whether they are connected to the lower or dim side of the headlights through the signal switch picks up the current and changes it tothe lower or dim fllainent, etc. In other words, if the master switch is turned off, or whether it is on the high or dim side of theheadlignts there is continuously flowing to the signal switch current which is ready for signal purposes upon the movement of the signal switch key to the right or left. The only time that this current is not connected with the signal switch is when the master switch key is turned to the right or to the par ing lights. This is done purposely to prevent any signaling while the vehicle is in a parked position. For example, assume that the master switch key 4, Fig. 1, is turned 45 to the left, to the position indicated at 6, current is flowing from the battery wire it to contact point 65, through the switch key, to contact points 82 and 83. From point 83 current is carried to point M, and on through wire 46 to contact point 41, on the signal switch. The circuit formed byv wires and contact points 84, 83 and M, wire 56 and contact point 41 is never broken.

1. A directionindicator for automobiles provided with a pair of head lights having bright and dim filaments, and a pair of rear lights, comprising a source of current, a circuit including said source of current, a switch, the bright filament of both merits of said rear lights, a second circuit including said source of current, said rear the dim filaments of said head lights, a third circuit including said source of current and said rear lights, a fourth circut including said source of current, a second switch, wiring extending from said second switch, a periodic circuit maker including said source of current, said second switch, wiring extending from said second switch and that part of said second circuit which connects the dim filament of the left hand light with the left hand rear light, whereby the lights 1y, a neutral position,

of the automobile may be manipulated in the usual way, and in addition by moving said second switch in one direction, a dim filament on one side of the automobile and the rear light on the same side may be caused to flicker, and by moving said second switch in the opposite direction the dim filament on the opposite side of the automobile and the rear light on said opposite side may be caused to flicker while the other lights burn steadily.

2. A direction indicator for automotive vehicles having a pair of head lights with bright and dim filaments anda pair of tail lights, comprising a source of current, a primary circuit for said bright filaments including said tail lights and said source of current, a second circuit for said dim filaments including said tail lights and said source of current, a master switch interposed in both of said circuits for turning on and off either of said circuits, a signal switch and a periodic circuit maker and breaker arranged in series, a third circuit including said signal switch and said periodic circuit maker and breaker and said source of current and that portion of said primary circuit including the connections to the right-hand dim filament and the right-hand tail light, a fourth circuit including said signal switch, said periodic circuit maker and breaker and source of current and the connections to the left-hand dim filament and the left-hand tail light, whereby all of said lights maybe turned on and ofi by said master switch and the tail lights and dim filaments may be flashed on either side of the vehicle.

3. A direction indicator for automotive vehicles having a pair of head lights with bright and dim filaments and a pair of tail lights, comprising a source of current, a primary circuit said bright filaments and said tail lights including said source of power, a second circuit for said dim filaments and said tail lights including said source of current, a master switch interposed in both of said circuits for turning on or oif either of said circuits, a signal switch and periodic circuit maker and breaker arranged in series adapted to be inserted in both of said circuits, said signal switch being formed with a plurality of contacts, and a swinging arm adapted to be moved to three different positions, namea position to engage certain of said contacts, and to engage other of said contacts, to provide secondary circuits so that when said arm is in one position said periodic circuit maker and breaker will cause a tail light and dim filament on the left side of the vehicle to fiickcr while the light on the right side will burn steadily, and in another position the tail light and the dim filament on the right side of the vehicle will fiickerand the lights on the left side will burn steadily.

WALTER C. SULLENDER.

for. 

